Start a conversation ↗

Description

Cross-Functional Manager: Mobilising, Coordinating and Influencing Without Authority

Securing contributions from people you do not manage and whose priorities are set elsewhere

  • 2 days — 14 h
  • In-person or virtual
  • Intermediate
  • Up to 6 participants

The cross-functional manager leads a project or a process without any line authority over the people who move it forward. Trade-off decisions are made elsewhere, and commitments made in meetings dissolve as soon as participants return to their departments. Every follow-up request costs energy and eventually wears down the relationship with contributors.

These two days are designed for professionals already engaged in a cross-functional assignment. The work focuses on building legitimacy, then on negotiating contributions with line managers, and on leading a group that comes together only occasionally.

Learning objectives

  • Position your cross-functional role in relation to the line managers involved
  • Build your legitimacy with contributors who do not report to you
  • Negotiate the expected contributions and then formalise them
  • Lead project forums that result in clear decisions
  • Handle priority trade-offs between the project and day-to-day activity

What makes this programme different

A stakeholder map built around each participant's real project
Contribution negotiations role-played with a reluctant line manager
An engagement plan for the project group formalised before the end of the session

Programme

1Positioning the cross-functional manager

Acting without line authority

  • The different forms of cross-functional assignment
  • What the mandate does and does not allow
  • The sources of influence available to you
  • The postural mistakes that fuel resistance

2Mapping and engaging stakeholders

Understanding the interests at play

  • Identifying the contributors, decision-makers and opponents of the project
  • Identifying the specific concerns of each department involved
  • Preparing a message tailored to each counterpart
  • Formalising the expected contributions and their deadlines

3Leading the cross-functional group

Sustaining a group that meets only occasionally

  • Setting a meeting rhythm that is workable for everyone
  • Running a project meeting that leads to decisions
  • Making progress and individual contributions visible
  • Maintaining the connection between two group checkpoints

4Managing tensions and trade-offs

When the project competes with day-to-day activity

  • Addressing the gradual disengagement of a contributor
  • Negotiating a team member's availability with their line manager
  • Preparing an escalation request for the project sponsor
  • Responding to an unfavourable decision without losing the group

Who is it for

Project managers and process owners as well as functional leads coordinating contributors over whom they have no line authority.

Prerequisites

Hold a cross-functional assignment or be appointed to a project involving several departments.

Dates & locations

36 scheduled dates between November 2026 and December 2027. Seats are confirmed in the order enquiries are received.

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

September 2027

October 2027

November 2027

December 2027

None of these dates suit you? We open additional sessions on request, and any programme can be run privately for your team.

Practical details

Before the programme
Online positioning questionnaire. Your development objectives are shared with the trainer, who tailors the practical case studies to your context.
Teaching methods
Theoretical input, workshops and practical case studies. Digital course materials and method sheets provided.
Assessment
Multiple-choice tests and role-play exercises. Assessment of learning at the start and end of the programme, with immediate and 60-day follow-up evaluations.
After the programme
One year of access to the e-learning platform. Self-assessment of the skills acquired and a 30-day follow-up session with your trainer.
How to register
Registration online or on the basis of a quotation.
Lead time
11 working days after confirmation of registration.
Accessibility
Accessible to people of determination. Contact our accessibility coordinator to design a suitable solution: contact@mpf-academy.ae
Start dates
Rolling intake: in addition to the scheduled sessions, this programme can start on request.